02 May 2010

Romans 12_10-21

10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20On the contrary:

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Patience - Dr. Timothy Keller

4th Sermon in the Series: The Real Signs of the Spirit

East Side Morning Service

• Patience - Bearing up and difficulty without giving up.
• Patience is dealing with difficult circumstances and difficult people.

• Forgive those who have mistreated you or you'll be like them.
• Be forgiving, kind, and gracious to everyone no matter how you are treated.

• Bless those who persecute you, meaning pray for them--Ask God to help them.

• Forgive - stop seeking or hoping for revenge on others.
• Don't avoid people; find ways to be of service.

• Be humble, not proud or conceited.
• Proverbs 15:1 - 1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
• Proverbs 25:11 11A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

• Oppose gently, humbly, and graciously - We can do this if we truly acknowledge God's forgiveness and Jesus's sacrifice.